Student Gold Pack

DESIGN STUDENTS
PRESENTATION GUIDELINES

The "Mock-up"
You are required to make a physical mock-up of your proposal. The purpose of the mock-up is to clearly demonstrate the how you pack concept works in 3D. Making a physical mock-up will help you test the practicality and functionality of your concept. The mock up does not necessarily need to be made up from the material you are proposing, if this is not feasible.

It is understopdd that making accurate mockups is challenging. Only if a physical mock up is not at all feasible, then rendering your pack digitally is acceptable. Some students may even present both for clarity and to overcome the execution problems and restrictions presented by the mock-up.

You will also be required to submit photographs or images of your mock-ups or digital 3D renderings of the pack proposal as a part of your entry.

As this competition is for graphic design students, the graphic design of your packaging proposal is the most important and critical element that will be judged. However a packaging designer needs to consider shape, structure, materials, functionality and 'fit-for-purpose' aspects of their packaging design proposal. Your presentation will probably need illustrations or photography and will need to indicate pack copy proposals and layout. Consider material types and printing process.

The judges will concentrate primarily on the visual presentation of the packaging proposal or mock-up. The purpose of the written support information is to clearly explain your packaging design concept, highlighting its features and in general ‘selling’ the concept to the judges.

Although students are not expected to have a complete knowledge of package design and manufacture, the judges are looking for examples that display an insight into the challenges of packaging. Below are some of the criteria you should consider. Remember that scoring will be weighted towards design issues and that some of the more technical points will carry only a few 'marks'.

Does the pack design sell the product it contains?
Is the product presented in a competitive way to stand out from alternatives?
Are the graphics visually appealing and well executed?
Do they assist the communication of the product’s benefits, image and identity?
Does the pack clearly explain itself through graphic design, words, pictures, shape and form?
Is there any doubt what the product is, how it is used and what it does?
Is the shape and form of the packaging interesting, new, unique, different and appealing?
Will the pack be able to be transported, stored and displayed well, considering impact and efficient use of space on the retailers’ shelves?
Is the packaging concept eco-friendly? Can the materials be easily separated and recycled? (NB: Refer to the Design for Recycling Booklets available on this website)
Do the materials chosen for the packaging fit the purpose and are they cost effective?
Is the design practical to print, manufacture and pack?
Does the pack design offer adequate product protection?
Does the pack conform to the appropriate packaging legislation and industry standards?
Is the mock-up well constructed and presented? Does it conform to the written submission?
Is the written submission well presented and clearly laid out? Does it assist in the evaluation of the entry?
Are all aspects of the entry presented professionally?
Does the entry display any new, unique or different ideas? (Even if disregarding practicality or cost)?